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The Northside High School Environmental Sciences Academy, or NESA, offers students the chance to learn traditional subject matter in new and exciting ways.  NESA's students discover meaning in math, science, social studies, and English by applying their academic knowledge and skills to real-world scenarios and research. Â
In this academy, students also utilize their local and global environments to better understand the world in which they live by participating in multiple field experiences designed to give real meaning and relevancy to traditional classroom education. By studying environmental issues and the causes of these issues, students are able to better understand the ramifications of such issues on their future and satisfy global demands for environmentally conscious students/professionals.
Students start with exploratory courses that cover topics like soil conservation, chemicals, water quality, air quality, waste management, ecology, land use and marine biology.Later, students can focus on one career path, such as Environmental Management, Environmental Law, Environmental Engineering or Ecology. NESA's creative use of curriculum, community, and parent support ensures that students have access to career and/or academic diploma endorsements. Students who demonstrate high levels of achievement can also acquire college credits and/or a career-based certification/license during their high school career!
21st Century Learning: Preparing for a Successful Future
One of the academy's goals is to build 21st century skills through innovative uses of technology and instruction. The classrooms that NESA students call home include a state of the art digital science lab, modular learning lab, and a fully interactive multimedia room.  In these state-of-the-art labs, students use interactive technology to analyze and present information in ways that satisfy the ever-growing demands of a competitive global market.
Academy students are currently designing and developing outdoor learning areas that will soon allow them to participate in outdoor class sessions for activities such as nature journaling, local flora examination, math and geometry in nature, entomology, nature poetry, and much more! In the near future students will also have class sessions in a fully quipped greenhouse. NESA requires all of its students to complete 4-year research projects during which the student receives the support and instruction necessary to develop an electronic portfolio. The portfolio, research, professional mentoring, course-work, and internships ensure that NESA's students are catapulted to a level that sets them apart from their peers as they prepare for a successful future!
The NESA Family
The Northside High School Environmental Sciences Academy is more than technology and advanced learning facilities. It is the educators, school district, parent organization, community partners, and, most importantly, students that care about supporting each other while experiencing innovative learning and protecting a bright future for themselves and generations to come. NESA's motto is, "Little steps can make a BIG difference!" If you are ready to make a "BIG" difference in the world around you then submit your online application for a chance to join the NESA family!
